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The Acacia Team!
Therapists
Acacia therapists have dedicated their careers working in university settings and college counseling centers. As such, we have specialized training in university student, employee and community needs. We also all have extensive training with diverse clients on a variety of issues including relationship issues, depression, anxiety, stress, family concens, grief and bereavement, etc. We pride ourselves in providing our clients with the highest level of care so you always feel supported and are dedicated to helping our clients live happier, more meaningful, and richer lives!
Robbyn Jackson, Psy. D.
Director
Psychologist
License Psy21576
I am honored to be the director of Acacia Counseling & Wellness and to work with the community of Isla Vista. As an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, it is a special gift to walk alongside students as they face their life's journey and its trials and tribulations. It is my wish that Acacia be viewed by our clients as a welcoming place to seek help and support from professionals who are genuine, empathic, open-minded, and who aim to truly and deeply understand each individual who comes to us.
I have over 18 years of training and diverse experience as a clinical psychologist. During that time I worked at DePaul University and Northwestern University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, both in Chicago, IL. I consider my work with university students and staff/faculty to be the most rewarding clinical work of my career. While working on university campuses, I provided individual and group therapy to students. I also mentored student organizations such as Student Leadership, Victims of Violence, sororities, and campus co-ops dealing with relationship concerns. I have also worked in other settings, including medical centers, youth homes, private practice and correctional facilities. After completing my Bachelor's Degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara, I attended Pepperdine University in Malibu where I completed my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Thereafter, I earned my doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. My degree emphasis was in Psychoanalytic Theory and my dissertation topic was on Anorexia Nervosa.
While the transition to university life is exciting, I understand that the college experience has many unique stressors that may best be met with the help of a counselor. I strive to genuinely understand each individual's situation while providing timely and thoughtful insights. I prefer to work collaboratively with each person and often end sessions by providing written highlights that might include: a new insight, a powerful phrase or mantra for the week, a new behavior, a reminder of personal strengths, or simply a list of goals the client wishes to accomplish.
Graduate Program
Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
Pepperdine University, M.A. Clinical Psychology
Therapy Orientation
Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT)
Areas of Expertise
Eating Disorders, Interpersonal Trauma
Brett Donnelly, Psy. D.
Co-Owner
Psychologist
License Psy26685
Originally from Wisconsin, I grew up in a family with many of our own emotional challenges along the way. Throughout my childhood I quickly realized how important therapy was to both myself and my family. I learned how therapy was a great journey to work through communication, personal identity, heartbreak, self-exploration, etc. As a result of these experiences, I decided to attend the University of Wisconsin and get my B.A. in Psychology. After working a year in advertising, I knew that my passion was still for psychology. I left my job and pursued my Masters (M.A.) and Doctorate (Psy.D.) in Chicago, Illinois. I was trained in a variety of incredible and diverse settings in Chicago including two college counseling centers (UIC and IADT) and one private practice specializing with clients who identified Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ). I moved to Santa Barbara in 2012 to finish my internship and post-doc at UCSB, continuing my streak of college counseling.
I am extremely passionate about my work as a psychologist. I consider it a true privilege to take part in your personal growth and change and help you achieve their goals. I work hard to achieve a trusting relationship and a personal bond so you always feel supported. I believe in a direct and honest approach and will challenge you along the way. I will encourage you to take risks, stretch yourself emotionally, and feel empowered. I integrate therapeutic theory along with personal and cultural experiences to tailor therapy to fit your needs and style. I also enjoy using humor when appropriate to help foster a deep interpersonal connection. My hope is that I can learn as much as I can about you and your needs in order to empower you to make positive, life long changes. I look forward to embarking on this journey together!
One last note, I am only available to do appointments via video therapy. I've been doing telehealth for a while now and find that it works quite well with many clients. Therapy from the convenience of your own home! Please just be sure that you can find a quiet and private space to conduct sessions. Some students have even reserved private library space!
Megan Donahue, Ph. D.
Psychologist
License Psy27626
Bio coming soon!
Graduate Program
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara
M.A. Counseling Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara
M.A. Learning Disabilities, Northwestern University
Therapy Orientation
Psychodynamic, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT)
Areas of Expertise
Anxiety & Panic, Trauma & PTSD, Depression, Stress Management
Karima Shamma
Marriage & Family Therapist
License LMFT #88034
I am thrilled to be a part of the fabulous Acacia team of caring psychotherapists. I was born in Orange County, California and have lived in Santa Barbara since 1992. I am the proud mother of two sons who are in their early 20’s. I am of biracial Middle Eastern and European descent.
I consider myself a former cowgirl having spent my childhood on a ranch riding horses. Consequently, I believe in the power of outdoor “therapy.” In our harried, multitasking lives something as simple as stopping to appreciate the environment, to be mindful of the intricacies of nature can be one of the best anti-anxiety medications.
I received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Cal State Northridge, and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Santa Barbara. As an adjunct instructor at Santa Barbara City College, I taught classes in personal development, stress management, and tobacco addiction & recovery. I also facilitate quarterly smoking cessation classes at Cottage Health.
My internship training included family and individual therapy in a youth home for teens, and providing personal counseling at Santa Barbara City College. I see each client in a holistic way considering genetic and life experiences, as well as addressing potential imbalanced lifestyle habits around nutrition, stress management, sleep issues, drug and alcohol use/misuse, because all can contribute to distress, anxiety and depressive moods. I value psychoeducation in the healing process and some modalities that shape my perspective include Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Psychodynamic, and Positive Psychology.
Many people feel they have to handle their academic and personal life stresses alone when the truth is that sometimes we ALL need empathetic, nonjudgmental support in order to flourish as resilient and confident individuals. The college years can be fun, exciting and yes, very demanding and stressful. My own life’s journey is fraught with countless academic and personal setbacks towards my career as a teacher and therapist. While confusing at the time, each hurdle taught me important lessons. One of the most important is to know that you don’t have to face it alone.
Graduate Program
M.A. Clinical Psychology - Antioch University, Santa Barbara
Therapy Orientation
Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Psychodynamic
Areas of Expertise
Mindfulness and Meditation practices, Anxiety and Stress management, Depression, Alcohol and Other Drug Misuse
Juliet Betita, M.A.
Marriage & Family Therapist
License LMFT #18740
As a Pilipina, female elder, daughter of immigrant parents, first born in the USA, my identity is an ever shifting adjustment to these cultural identities as I move in the world. I am bilingual and bicultural. I have used my experiences in these areas as the jumping off point of my psychotherapeutic approach - to see the individual as a multicultural infusion of personal cultural values and political cultural identities.
Graduate Program
Graduated MA – Goddard College, Vermont
Therapy Orientation
Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic
Areas of Expertise
Multi-culturalism
Jennifer Sidhwa, MA, ASW
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Under supervision of Nancy Chen Marden
I am an associate clinical social worker working towards becoming a licensed clinical social worker. As an undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, I completed my degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Psychology. At that time, I also became a peer health intern and instructional assistant in the health and wellness department. After that, I completed a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Organizations also at the University of California, Santa Barbara. All of my experiences and interests lead me back to the mental health field, and I decided to earn a Master of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. In my time as a MSW student, I also completed internships at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara and Counseling and Psychological Services at California State University, Channel Islands.
The bulk of my clinical experience has been working with children, teenagers and young adults. I am especially passionate about working with college students who may be navigating the transition into adulthood. From living away from family for the first time, to dealing with demanding school schedules, to fostering personal relationships; young adulthood can be both an exciting and stressful time.
I believe my role as a therapist is to create a safe and productive space for individuals to gain insight into their own experiences. I strive to work collaboratively with my clients toward healing, resolution and growth.
I work from a strength-based perspective and view my clients as a whole person existing within several contexts (i.e. family, school, relationship, etc.). I work from an integrative therapeutic approach in which I customize treatment to match the individual I am working with.
Graduate Program
California State University, Long Beach, Master of Social Work (MSW)
University of California, Santa Barbara, Master of Arts (MA) Educational Leadership and Organizations
Therapy Orientation
Integrative therapy
Areas of Expertise
Cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, social justice
Keith Higginbotham, Psy. D.
Co-Owner
Psychologist
License Psy26572
Hello and welcome to Acacia Counseling & Wellness! I hope this short bio helps you understand my background and approach so that you can decide if I might be the right therapist for you. I came to the field of psychology through a very circuitous route. My undergraduate degree is in Electrical Engineering and I spent my first the first part of my professional life working in engineering, program management, and systems development. While this was a rewarding career for me I had always been fascinated with psychology (I love to understand black boxes!!) and so decided that I would return to school and pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. During my doctoral program I had the wonderful experience of working in three different college counseling centers and discovered there a real passion for working with college students and the help I wish I would have had when I was going through college! My dissertation focused on the prevalence, impact and treatment of mental health disorders in the college student population and supported my belief in the importance of mental health services in the university community.
My approach to therapy is one that blends a number of traditions and strategies but first and foremost is to respect the value, independence, diversity and wisdom of all of my clients. My job is not to “evaluate” you or to tell you how to live your life but to help you achieve the goals you have for your life. In the process of therapy I work to establish a space where you feel great trust, safety and support as these are the bedrock of any successful therapy. In the safety of this relationship we can then engage in the exploration and understanding of your difficulties and together create and implement any changes that come out of a new understanding. I pull from psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral traditions as well as from my own experiences. I have a special interest in working with people who experience strong feelings of shame and inadequacy, i.e., who just never really feel they are “good enough.” I know from personal experience that this work is not easy and I stand ready to walk with you and see you through to the other side. Please feel free to contact me regarding questions you have about my qualifications and experience or about Acacia in general. My email is dr.keith@acaciaiv.com.
Graduate Program
Internship and Post-Doctoral Study: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) University of California Santa Barbara
Doctorate of Psychology, Wright State University School of Professional Psychology
Master of Arts in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, National University
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, United States Air Force Academy
Therapy Orientation
Humanistic/Existential, Psychodynamic/Interpersonal, Multicultural/Feminist, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Areas of Expertise
College student mental health, anxiety (social, PTSD, panic, generalized anxiety), depression, mindfulness, spirituality, disabilities, relationships, sexuality, identity issues, stress management, and problematic alcohol and drug use
Denise Mock, Ph. D.
Psychologist
License Psy1792
Hello! I earned by Bachelor’s degree at UCSB and enjoyed my time at the university and living in Isla Vista. I received my doctorate in clinical psychology at California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University an American Psychological Association (APA) Accredited Doctoral Training Program in Clinical Psychology. I completed my pre-doctoral internship in clinical psychology at Montreal General Hospital, and have received specialized training in bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, child/adolescent development, schizophrenia and substance abuse.
I am an Adjunct Professor at Antioch University, where I teach doctoral level students in Personality Assessment, Cognitive Assessment and Forensic Psychology. I also train and supervise doctoral students in a non-profit agency serving individuals with severe mental illness in the Santa Barbara community.
I draw on cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal and mindful approaches to psychotherapy. These approaches help clients increase their awareness of the thoughts and feelings that shape their behaviors. Once an individual is aware of the automatic thoughts and underlying beliefs that create pain and discomfort in their life, they can make different choices. I value the trust and courage it takes to enter into therapy and make changes. I work collaboratively with each individual to provide a safe environment, free of judgment where clients can explore their issues.
Graduate Program
BA University of California, Santa Barbara
Ph.D. California School of Professional Psychology
Therapy Orientation
Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Humanistic
Areas of Expertise
Mindfulness practices
Chris Link, Psy. D.
Psychologist
License Psy20769
After growing up in Santa Barbara and later moving away to complete my schooling, it is wonderful to finally return to serve the community I know and love. Prior to licensure, after initially working with adults with severe mental illness, the majority of my training involved providing services to children, adolescents, and families. Most of my background has been working in community mental health and medical settings, which included my time at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, where I completed both my internship and postdoctoral fellowship. After returning to Santa Barbara in 2014, I became licensed and have been working at an outpatient tribal health clinic in Santa Ynez, where I serve clients of all ages. Throughout my training and career, I have had the privilege to work with individuals and families from a wide array of different cultural backgrounds, which has included providing services in Spanish to the monolingual Spanish-speaking population.
When working with a client, I tend to draw from different humanistic concepts as the foundation of my approach. I always try to create an environment that is accepting, trusting, and nonjudgmental. I also focus on providing deep empathic understanding, not only to help my clients feel understood and validated, but to help them “hear and see” themselves more clearly. I view each person as having the innate ability to move towards positive growth, but for various reasons, those who come to therapy seeking help often have something blocking this progression. To help clients experience both long-term growth, as well as more immediate symptom relief, much of the work I do with them entails the application of cognitive-behavioral principles and interventions. That said, I believe it is important to work collaboratively with each client to ensure services are tailored in a way to best meet their needs, and therefore, I always try to remain open and flexible in my treatment approach.
After working in a variety of settings, I am very excited to be joining Acacia to begin serving the college student population. I understand that the adjustment to university life can be quite challenging, where students are often exposed to a wide range of different stressors and demands. I also believe it is a period in one’s life that offers tremendous opportunity for substantial learning and growth. I very much look forward to meeting whoever comes through my door and am thrilled to serve this wonderful community!
Graduate Program
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology
M.A. Applied Social Psychology and Evaluation, Claremont Graduate University
Therapy Orientation
Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic
Areas of Expertise
Mindfulness Practice, Anxiety, Stress Management, Depression, Substance Use, Multiculturalism
Additional Languages Spoken
Spanish
Nancy Chen Marden
Marriage & Family Therapist
License LMFT #46925
Hello! I am so excited and grateful to be part of the Acacia Team serving Isla Vista’s collegiate population. I am trained and licensed in marriage and family therapy in the states of California and Colorado. My road to becoming a therapist began with my own search for meaning in life. I graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Economics in 2000 with the intention of pursuing a career in business. After realizing that corporate America was not where I saw myself flourish, I began my journey of self-discovery and personal growth. I discovered that I wanted to be in a profession where I can create value and make a difference. I saw myself actualizing this goal in mental health where I am an intimate observer and participant of the human development experience. My journey eventually led me to completing a Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Fullerton in 2005.
The bulk of my clinical training has been with ethnically and culturally diverse populations with severe mental illness at community settings. During my time as a private clinician, I focused my practice mainly on couples work and helping individuals struggling with relationship issues. I believe that each of us is born with the innate desire and need to feel seen, heard, and validated that is only achieved in the context of human relationships. We all crave to be deeply connected with another human being but sometimes lack the tools needed to create successful relationships. I have immersed myself in the work of couple therapy and continue to pursue professional development in learning empirically validated approaches in this specialty. Most recently, I came across emotion-focused therapy (EFT) and am on the path of becoming certified as an EFT therapist. The heart of EFT is to emphasize the role of emotions in order to understand our experiences of self and with others. Therapeutic change is achieved through increasing clients’ emotional awareness, regulation, reflections, and activating new emotional experiences.
I see my role in the therapeutic process as an agent of change and flicker of hope. My only goal is to help you make the necessary changes in your life so that you can experience joy, love, abundance, and meaning. I believe that the only way for any of us to heal and grow from the pains of our experiences is with someone who can not only provide an understanding to what we’re going through, but help us experience something different. That is the true benefit of therapy – taking you on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. I seek to achieve this outcome with you through a collaborative relationship and instilling empowerment in you.
On a personal note, I was born in Taiwan and raised in southern California; thus, I consider myself to be bicultural as well as bilingual in Mandarin. I had the amazing opportunity of living in Boulder, Colorado for nearly 6 years before relocating to beautiful Santa Barbara in August of 2015. I have been married for over 10 years and have two wonderful kids, who teach me everyday the importance of being present, embracing differences, finding beauty and joy in the most ordinary things and places, and most of all, love. In my spare time, I love to entertain, spend time at the beach, read, travel, listen to music, create things, and spend quality time with my family. I also incorporate a daily practice of mindfulness and gratitude to help bring perspective and discipline into my life. I feel deeply privileged to do the work I do and look forward to working together!
Graduate Program
California State University, Fullerton, Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling with emphasis on Marriage & Family Therapy
Therapy Orientation
Humanistic/Existential, Emotionally Focused, Systemic, Buddhist Psychology, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Areas of Expertise
Couples, Depression, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Transitions & Adjustments, Mindfulness, Multiculturalism, and Spirituality
Additional Languages Spoken
Mandarin
The Admin Team
Hello!! I am so beyond happy to be here! I am a Southern California native, with a deep love and passion for mental health. Currently I am an undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Barbara with a double major in Sociology and Psychology as well as a minor in Applied Psychology. After graduation, I hope to continue my education to become a Clinical Psychologist. I grew up in the wonderful city of Anaheim and was deeply involved in non profit charitable organizations. I am a music, photography, and social justice enthusiast.
I absolutely love the community in Isla Vista and I am determined to contribute to its growth. I hope to always epitomize positivity, integrity, and loyal service to our clients. I am willing to do whatever it takes to make your experience at Acacia a genuine pleasure that will lead you to your peace of mind.
I am always here to answer any questions you might have, provide more information, or schedule appointments. Please let me know if you need anything!
Catharine Kim
Administrative Assistant
Anthony Huynh
Administrative Assistant
Brayan Barron
Administrative Assistant
